The Union of Chambers of Commerce (SSK) disagrees with the proposal by the Macedonian Economic Chamber to reduce the number of holidays, arguing instead that efforts should be directed toward increasing productivity. A proposal they believe is worth discussing in the future involves paying employees based on an hourly rate, following the model used in developed market economies.
“Macedonia has hardworking, dedicated, and honest people who want to work. Therefore, our focus should not be on reducing holidays. Our goal is to increase productivity. In this regard, I would like to raise a topic that warrants future discussion: paying employees based on hours worked, similar to the practice in developed market economies,” SSK head Goran Gjorgjievski said Tuesday.
According to the Economic Chamber, this model would benefit diligent and productive workers by allowing them to earn more, while simultaneously introducing greater flexibility into the labor market.
“For instance, someone might work three hours one day and five hours another, depending on needs and circumstances. This would allow for greater flexibility, especially for parents, and mothers in particular, who need to balance work and family commitments. It is no coincidence that various models of hourly-based pay are applied in the United States and several European countries. We believe this is an interesting topic, and that an appropriate approach should be developed for our own country as well,” said Gjorgjievski ahead of a round table discussion titled “Stronger Business Voice on Reforms”.
The Government notes that this is one of several options, and that the experiences of more developed nations should be examined.